Why Some Prayers Go Unanswered - E-Books

To cultivate the fear of the Lord, there are specific foundational requirements we must fulfil. Once these are in place, we position ourselves to step into the fullness of God's blessings.

Why Some Prayers Go Unanswered?

"Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently, but they will not find me. Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord." (Proverbs 1:28-29)

These verses highlight two primary reasons why prayers often go unanswered:

1. "Because they hated knowledge"

This refers to a deliberate rejection of God’s wisdom and instruction, which are readily available through His Word. Hosea 4:6 states, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge," but more often, it is not mere ignorance but an unwillingness to embrace the truth that leads to destruction. God’s Word offers life, guidance, and wisdom, yet many turn away, choosing their own paths instead of submitting to the Lord’s counsel.

2. "And did not choose the fear of the Lord"

Here, knowledge and the fear of the Lord are mentioned together, emphasising their connection. The fear of the Lord is not something that comes passively; it requires a conscious choice. In this passage, the people refused to choose it, resulting in God’s rejection.

The fear of the Lord is a deep reverence and awe for Him which opens the door to His wisdom, favour, and blessings, but the decision to cultivate it rests with each individual.

So then, to experience answered prayers, we must embrace God’s wisdom and choose to live in the fear of the Lord.

A Lesson from the Holy Spirit

"Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Who is the man who desires life, and loves many days, that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit." (Psalm 34:11-13)

After we have made the deliberate choice to embrace the fear of the Lord, we must allow the Holy Spirit to teach us. No one but the Holy Spirit can instruct us in this divine wisdom. The fear of the Lord is not something we can grasp through human effort or intellect alone—it is imparted to us by God Himself as we surrender to His guidance.

If we allow the Holy Spirit to teach us the fear of the Lord, the implication is that we will have life and many days to see good. That promise is our motivation.

The fear of the Lord manifests in our speech—by refraining from evil words and deceitful talk. Our words are a reflection of our hearts. When we live in reverence for God, our speech will be marked by truth, kindness, and purity. Make it a point to examine regularly daily the words we speak truly reflect the fear of the Lord in our lives.

Learning the Fear of the Lord

After we have made the decision to embrace the fear of the Lord, we must allow the Holy Spirit to teach us. There is no instructor besides the Holy Spirit who can impart this divine understanding. The fear of the Lord is not something we can attain through human effort—it requires the guidance and revelation of the Spirit of God.

If we allow the Holy Spirit to teach us the fear of the Lord, the promise in this passage is life, long days, and the ability to see good. This divine promise becomes our motivation, and it reveals itself in our speech—the words that come out of our mouths. We must ask ourselves: Does the way we speak reflect the fear of the Lord?

Conditions for Walking in the Fear of the Lord

"Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil." (Proverbs 3:7)

This verse reminds us of two crucial conditions for walking in the fear of the Lord: rejecting self-reliance and turning away from evil.

1. Rejecting Self-Reliance

The first condition warns against being wise in our own eyes—a mindset of pride and self-sufficiency that blinds us to God’s wisdom. Trusting in our limited understanding leads to deception and spiritual stagnation. True wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord, a reverent acknowledgement that His ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:9). It’s a surrender of our flawed reasoning in exchange for divine guidance and truth.

2. Departing from Evil

The second condition emphasises the necessity of moral separation. The fear of the Lord and evil cannot coexist; they are as incompatible as light and darkness. To fear the Lord is to hate what He hates (Proverbs 8:13). It involves actively rejecting sin, breaking ties with toxic influences, and refusing to compromise with unrighteousness.

By embracing these principles, we can walk in the fear of the Lord and experience the blessings of His favour, wisdom, and protection.

Four Steps to Walk in the Fear of the Lord

To walk in the fear of the Lord, there are foundational steps we must take—preliminary conditions that prepare our hearts to live in awe and reverence for God. These steps are not optional but vital for anyone seeking to grow in this spiritual discipline:

1. Make the Right Choice

We must choose the fear of the Lord. There are likely some Christians who have never even been confronted with the necessity of making this choice. It is a deliberate decision that requires intentionality and commitment.

2. Be Taught by the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit alone can teach us the fear of the Lord. We must humble ourselves and enrol as pupils in the school of the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to guide and instruct us in this vital area of our faith.

3. Renounce Dependence on Our Own Wisdom

We must let go of reliance on our own understanding. Trusting in human wisdom blinds us to God’s higher ways and prevents us from fully embracing His truth.

4. Renounce Evil in All Forms

We must actively reject evil in any form we recognise it. The fear of the Lord cannot coexist with sin or compromise. It demands a wholehearted commitment to righteousness and purity.

By following these steps, we position ourselves to live in the fear of the Lord and experience the fullness of His blessings and guidance.